Some parts of Ontario to move into Stage 3 on Friday

The Ontario government is again taking a regional approach when it comes to further reopening the province.

The regions of Brant, Middlesex-London and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph will be able to move into Stage 3 on Friday, along with all of northern Ontario and cottage country.

Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand-Norfolk, Niagara, Toronto and Peel, among others, will remain in Stage 2 for now.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says they need four weeks of Stage 2 data before moving onto Stage 3.

She says the province will review the data weekly and announce changes.

Many restrictions will be further loosened under Stage 3.

Nearly all businesses and public spaces will be able to reopen, as long as they follow public health guidelines.

Playgrounds will be able to reopen and libraries will be able to resume on-site services.

Restaurants and bars and will be able to open for indoor dine-in.

People are still being encouraged to maintain physical distancing and proper hygiene and stay home when sick.

Health officials say the following places are not yet safe to open:

• Amusement parks and water parks
• Buffet-style food services
• Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment
following specific requirements
• Overnight stays at camps for children
• Private karaoke rooms
• Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports
• Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars
• Table games at casinos and gaming establishments

Gathering limits will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outside.

People are still required to maintain physical distancing of at least two metres.

This applies to events including parties, weddings, concerts, festivals, movie theatres and sports and recreational fitness activities.

People at their place of work, including performers and crews, will not count towards gathering limits.

The province says social circles where physical distancing is not required should be kept to 10 people regardless of the stage.